University of Miami safety Jared Campbell was always just Calais' little brother, in more ways than one.

Not only did former Hurricane Calais -- now a starting defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals -- get all the attention because of his talent, he got the imposing 6-8 stature.

Jared, three years younger and eight inches shorter, was equipped with less natural ability. While his animated older brother stayed busy sacking quarterbacks and imploring fans to cheer louder with his trademark arm-waving, Jared worked quietly and tirelessly with the UM scout team.

As eighth-ranked UM (5-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) prepares to play Clemson (3-3, 2-2) on Saturday at Land Shark Stadium, the younger Campbell is doing his own damage. In the game-changing play during the game-changing goal-line stand at UCF on Saturday, a blitzing Campbell grabbed quarterback Brett Hodges' throwing arm on third down. The ball wobbled out of Hodges' hand and was intercepted by linebacker Colin McCarthy. UM converted the turnover into a field goal for a 20-7 lead.

Hodges was knocked out of the game.

``I talked to Calais Sunday night,'' said Campbell, who also had two pass breakups. ``He's a tough critic, but he said he was looking forward to someone making a play and he was glad it was me.''

Because of injuries to safeties Randy Phillips and JoJo Nicolas, Campbell, a junior, has started the past three games. He had four tackles in his first career start against Oklahoma, a game in which Calais roamed the sidelines because he had a bye week.

``He was there to calm me down and get me hyped at the same time,'' Jared said, laughing. ``He just told me, `Hey, man, don't worry about making mistakes. Go fly around.' ''

Against Oklahoma, Campbell made his costliest mistake of the season, and learned from it. He allowed a first-quarter, 48-yard rush when he tried to arm tackle tailback Chris Brown without running his feet and getting proper leverage. On first-and-10 from the OU 1, Brown slipped through Campbell's grasp and took off. The Sooners, who eventually lost 21-20, went on to kick a field goal.

``Calais got on me about that,'' Campbell said. ``I could have had a safety but I came in with bad leverage. I wish I could play that one over, but it's in the books now. That's not going to happen again.''

UM coach Randy Shannon praised Campbell on Sunday, saying his perseverance is finally getting dividends.

``He's a guy that's been around here a long time and probably doesn't get all the accolades or have the athletic ability as everybody else,'' Shannon said. ``But when you work hard and understand what we're trying to do, you're going to prepare yourself to make things happen.

``He's going to make mistakes, but he goes full speed and makes up for it when he makes plays for us.''

Campbell, 6-0 and 205 pounds, is the youngest of eight children -- six boys and two girls -- from Aurora, Colo., outside of Denver. Now 20, he was offered a scholarship to play linebacker for Washington, but opted to join Calais. His brother Severin is a starting defensive end at Montana. Brother Ciarre graduated last spring from Montana, where he played cornerback. Brother Raj was a receiver at Division II Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo. Jamar went to Northwestern on an academic scholarship.

Jared, warm and friendly like Calais, played in two games on special teams as a freshman. Last year he played in the opener, then was relegated to the scout team. He came on strong during the spring.

``My brothers were good at football,'' Jared said. ``In high school I got a little shine because they thought I was good. But then I came to Miami as Calais' little brother and out here I got outshined.

``You want to get your own name. You don't like when people refer to you as somebody's younger brother.''

So Campbell said he began to study film a lot more.

``I can see the game slowing down now,'' he said. ``I can see things unravel on the field, and I understand it. Coach Shannon is right. I'm athletic, but not as athletic as some other guys. I have to make up for it by going harder and going full speed.''

Defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff said Campbell always had ``an unbelievable work ethic. But now he studies film more and asks a lot of questions. He understands the checks and formations a lot better.

``Jared never complained about not being first or second team. He would grab me and say, `Coach, can you work with me for five minutes after practice?' He has made himself a much better player.''

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@